The World Bank has selected a new country manager for Ukraine
2 July 2024 08:15
The World Bank has appointed Bob Sohm as Regional Director for Eastern Europe, based in Kyiv, to lead the Bank’s programmes in Ukraine and Moldova, effective 1 July. This is stated in the bank’s press release, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
In this position, Som will lead the Bank’s cooperation with governments, stakeholders and partners in these countries. He will oversee the implementation and delivery of portfolio and knowledge products, and work closely with IFC and MIGA to strengthen the World Bank’s engagement with the private sector.
“I am looking forward to my new role in supporting Ukraine at this extremely difficult time due to Russia’s invasion. I also look forward to working with all of our partners to support Ukraine’s recovery and strengthen the foundations for its future development,”
– said Bob Som.
The World Bank has also appointed Kevin Tomlinson as Operations Manager for Eastern Europe, based in Kyiv. Tomlinson, a U.S. citizen, previously served as the World Bank’s South Asia Social Resilience and Inclusion Practice Leader based in New Delhi.
What we know about Bob Som
Bob Som succeeds Arup Banerjee, who has served as Regional Director for Eastern Europe since July 2020.
According to his biography, Bob Som is a US citizen. He joined the World Bank in 1998. Prior to his current position, Mr. Som was Director of Financial Management and Director of Operations Policy at the World Bank in Washington, DC.
He provided strategic guidance and led teams that supported countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East in procuring vaccines as part of a $13 billion portfolio of projects to address COVID-19.
He has also managed operational engagement with UN agencies, which have provided over $10 billion in funding over the past six years.
Mr. Som holds a Master of International Management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management in Phoenix, Arizona, and a Bachelor of Business Administration with a minor in Political Science from the University of Dayton.
